Eintracht's supervisory board decided unanimously to sack the 47-year-old Magath with immediate effect after Eintracht were beaten 5-1 by Cologne on Saturday.

Former World Cup midfielder Magath was appointed to Eintracht in December 1999 after the team from Germany's financial capital sacked coach Joerg Berger.

Magath secured Frankfurt's return from the brink of relegation last season but the team's fortunes have slipped of late. They are third from bottom in the 18-team Bundesliga. Eintracht started the season well with a strong home record and beat Bayern Munich 2-1 away in November.

Magath became known as a tough coach for his strict training regime wich led to occasional grumbles from the squad about too much pressure.

Magath dismissed the criticism. 'The players should try another kind of sport, like boxing or swimming, and see how they like it. They don't seem to get the idea that it's good for them,' he said.

Before the winter break started in December, Magath said he was confident of Eintracht's prospects.

'We have 20 points, which is halfway there. This year we have nine more home games and if we react as we did before the winter break then we'll be fine,' Magath said.

He recently signed three new players, including Karel Rada from the Czech Republic, Tommy Berntsen from Norway and substitute goalkeeper Andreas Menger.